Amazon Constructs Futuristic Biospheres For New HQ

Soon the Space Needle won’t be the only futuristic architecture in Seattle’s landscape with e-commerce king, Amazon proposing additions to its downtown campus in the form of mirrored skyscrapers and three giant 80-95 feet glass biospheres.

The designs, created by architecture firm NBBJ, are intended to create a alternative work environment where nature abounds and is intertwined with traditional office spaces. The proposal states:

The generative idea is that a plant-rich environment has many positive qualities that are not often found in a typical office setting. While the form of the building will be visually reminiscent of a greenhouse or conservatory, plant material will be selected for its ability to co-exist in a microclimate that also suits people.

In other words, Amazon workers don’t have to worry about working in the rainforest, but rather will be surrounded by trees and floral that coexist at a comfortable temperature with humans. The domes will include ‘botanical zones’ of plant species, as well as dining facilities, meeting areas and lounges and five floors of office space. The greenhouse office spheres will stand adjacent to the three main skyscrapers that make up the Amazon HQ in downtown Seattle. The company invested $1.6 billion into the area last fall to expand their campus, and should the proposal be approved (it was submitted to Seattle Town Hall this week), then Amazon could be housed in a new architectural gem in the rainy city.